I've holidayed there but thats it. Where are you studying?

I was in Hong Kong and itwas fuggin humid each and every day. Was raingin 8 out of the 9 days we were there.

Things to do.......theres some bloody cool little tuning garages with mega dollar cars scattered around the city as well. Friendly guys working in there as well.

Thats all the advice i can give sorry.

Woot 200 posts

N/A EJ22

I should be studying  just outside of Guangzhou. I would be interested to have a look at China's automotive scene as it would be one which has bloomed all of a sudden.

BigWillieStyles

It is funny you say that as I lived in Nagoya for 8 months as an exchange student. I agree with you in relation to living in a foreign country, it provided me experiences that are hard to describe.

I go to Guangzhou twice a year for work. It is a large city with plenty of pollution. I only recall seeing the sun and the sky once in 6 weeks or so. Twice a year the city gets full with overseas people going to the canton trade show. Over here you can find absolutely everything you can imagine. On the streets it is pretty dirty. Don’t even think about brushing your teeth with tap water or having ice in your drink. Oh, and it will be a good idea to get all your shots done before you leave.
Do your research before you leave though

I don't know about shots, but definately watch the water.
A lot of hotels have micro filter systems in they're own supply, but still go for the complementary bottles if in hotels.
I'd say it would be an interesting experience studying and living there, but a lot of westerners get sick there due to the pollution there. I can't stay there more than 5 days without getting some illness, but they don't ask any questions of White people (guai lo in Cantonese) when you go to the chemist and ask for anti-biotics over the counter(no script needed).
I have been going there for at least 4 times a year for 7 years now, from Huanzhou to anywhere in the Guandong Province, and I always get crook. Maybe I'm a bit weak.
Cheap to live there, but it is slowly getting more expensive, but the dollar will still go a fair way.
Definitely worth going over there first and seeing the place before committing to a long term stay.
It is a dump when you get out of the main business areas into the suburbs and factory areas.

Sam;166513 wrote:

I am in the process of filling out paperwork and getting ok's etc for the start of next year.

My main reason for studying in China would be to have access to an enourmous amount of manufacturers and production techniques. As many may be aware, genereally around 50% of consumer goods that they interact with on a day to day basis originate from China.

From people I have spoken to on both the forum and in person I have found common advice to be along the same lines. 'Remember you are in a country which is still establishing its western approach to everything'. This is what attracts me to China, a place where I can make of it what I wish.

Even Japan opened my eyes to differences in culture and that is an established westernised country. China is going to rip my eye lids off and demand attention. I am an adaptable person who enjoys a challenge so I do not fear the uncertanty that China provides.[LIST]
* How did people find their bodies adapted to the change in diet?[/LIST][LIST]
* I am quite a large male height wise, has anyone found it difficult to find clothes to suit a tall frame?[/LIST][LIST]
* Did anyone have any clothes/suits tailor made? Did you find there was a massive difference in qoutation because you were a foreigner?[/LIST][LIST]
* I would be studying in China 'solo', has anyone got tips for cultural ways to initiate a friendship?[/LIST]

How did people find their bodies adapted to the change in diet? - I found myself a kebab shop and had most meals from there. But i noticed the "chinese" food they have is diffeerent to what we get here. Over here i think it is different, made for the western taste bud.

I am quite a large male height wise, has anyone found it difficult to find clothes to suit a tall frame? Cant help you here

Did anyone have any clothes/suits tailor made? Did you find there was a massive difference in qoutation because you were a foreigner? Yes, they will try get the most out of you. Bargain hardcore with them. I pick up top quality custom made suits for $50

I would be studying in China 'solo', has anyone got tips for cultural ways to initiate a friendship? same as anywhere, just be friendly

visited china (Beijing, Shanghai, Xian) Enjoyed it very much! China is awesome!  just be careful of the mystery meat on sticks they sell at 7 11 type stores- a friend of mine spent 3 days throwing up after eating one (probably made from rat- literally) and check soft drink bottles for holes- even if the seal isn't broken they often empty them through a small hole somewhere and refil them with chinese water... which you shouldn't drink.
unless you're from sydney in which case you're used to alot worse.

probably making it sound worse than it is... just make sure you check stuff... oh and stay away from the little alcohol bottles that look like grenades... those things will f$%k you up. :alcoholic
:assassin:and watch out for ninjas...

Try webjet.com.au or bestflights.com.au

I will be living in Guangzhou